Civilian Mentoring makes the connection Published June 25, 2015 By Senior Airman Robert L. McIlrath 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Whether it's an Airman aiding another on the battlefield or civilian airmen aiding each other in career advancement, helping each other relates directly to the Air Force core values. The 82nd Training Wing Civilian Mentoring Program continues to provide career development opportunities for Sheppard civilians by developing partnerships among personnel to share experiences and expertise to facilitate growth and development. Their newest program, Civilian Mentoring Connection (CMC), does just that by providing tours of the different squadrons and organizations that employ civilians. It also features a briefing covering a topic relevant to civilians presented by a senior civilian from that organization. Some of the briefing topics have included the Hiring Matrix, the Continuous Interview, Making A Difference, Professional Development and Conflict Management among others. Feedback from CMC participants and graduates has been extremely positive. "Any civilian in the 82nd Training Wing and 80th Flying Training Wing who wants to help others and while doing so help themselves can join," said Chris Brown, Civilian Mentoring Events Chair. "We often become too compartmentalized in our jobs, our career field and where we work," Brown said. "True career growth as a civilian has to based not only on expertise in our current position, but an understanding of how what we do is an integral component of the overall success of Sheppard in accomplishing the Air Force's mission. Understanding Sheppard's mission as a whole is more beneficial than just understanding a single job." Civilian Mentoring provides that opportunity and multiple professional development opportunities. Originating as the 82nd Training Group Civilian Mentoring Program in July 2005, the program has since branched out and became wing-wide. "Our vision is to be a recognized leader in professional development," said Risa Hillard, Civilian Mentoring Program Advisor. "Some programs we have provided in the past include mentor mixers, speed mentoring for resumes, seminars and guest speakers on a variety of topics, Civilian Mentoring Connection, matching mentors with mentees (by request), and leadership opportunities to develop and hone your leadership skills on our Civilian Mentorship Executive Board." Anyone who would like more information about participating in any of our events, or how to participate in the CMC program, should contact the Civilian Mentoring President, Gregg Spillman (940-676-2523) or the CM Vice President, Paul Fanning (940-676-2451).